Welsh and UK governments sign jobs and skills help deal

by bbc.co.uk - 25/02/2010

"Assembly ministers and the Department for Work and Pensions have pledged to work more closely in tackling unemployment and skills gaps in Wales.

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The Labour Market Framework aims to integrate training and back-to-work help from the Welsh and UK governments.

Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "By working together, our governments can make a real difference to people's lives."

Welsh Conservatives called for support for "companies which create new jobs".

The agreement was signed at an event in Merthyr Tydfil, to mark the Government's Future Jobs Fund providing work for 18-24 year-olds in the south Wales valleys.

Education minister Leighton Andrews said it was "imperative" that government worked together as the UK emerges from recession and would strengthen the relationship between the DWP and assembly government.

"It represents a big step forward, helping to secure a more vibrant and economically successful future for Wales," he said.

But a Welsh Conservative spokesman said: "The way to get Wales working is to support companies which create new jobs, and invest in training and skills, rather than hold back the recovery with consumer borrowing and government debt as Labour has done."

More Details: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8536661.stm